Frequently Asked Questions

Admissions Information

Yes, absolutely. You can call our toll-free number 1-800-588-4673 during our normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8am to 5pm Central) for a free and confidential assessment.
You can also send us a secure message using the form below.
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We do an assessment over the phone when contact is made for admission.
The client should exhibit addiction issues, substance-abuse issues, or a dependence diagnosis. Specific requirements are handled on a case by case basis. These details will be explained thoroughly over the phone with one of our admissions specialists.
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We streamline the admissions process as much as possible when a client is at the critical point of needing treatment. Here are the steps:

Step 1 – Phone Assessment – we want to ensure that the client is appropriate for Shades of Hope and that Shades of Hope is appropriate for the client. Ideally, the phone assessment is conducted with the client. However, in the case of an intervention, we will complete the assessment with a family member, referring physician, referring therapist or interventionist.

Step 2 – If insurance is involved for payment of services, there must be verification of benefits by our personnel as they apply to Shades of Hope

Step 3 – Financial arrangements are finalized

Step 4 – Medical stability is established

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Shades of Hope currently offers three treatment programs:

For additional information, visit our Treatment Programs page.
Please feel free to get in touch with one of our admissions specialists to determine which path is right for you or your loved one.
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No single form of treatment works for everyone. Our treatment approach offers a high level of personal attention and a treatment plan that is tailored to each individual’s unique needs.
For each client, we create a comprehensive and individualized program using:

cognitive behavioral therapy

group therapy

individual psychotherapy

anger management

emotive therapy

shame management

desensitization therapy

body image therapy

work and stress management

We also engage in daily meditation and yoga. At Shades, we believe in treating the mind, body and spirit.
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Recovery is a complex process with many factors that contribute to its success or failure. At Shades, we equip our clients with tools to cope with life outside of our facility, alternatives to unhealthy behavior and work to develop a deeper understanding of their addiction(s) along with root causes. Impulses will always exist. The difference we hope to see in our clients after treatment is their ability to control those impulses, deal with their core issues and have a better quality of life.
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We prefer to ask, “How do you measure success?” If success is total abstinence, not many treatment centers can report perfect results. We focus on the quality of life of our clients in recovery. We don’t define success by zero relapses – we choose to look at how our clients handle life in general after treatment. During treatment, we give our clients insight into their addictive behavior, work on the underlying pain and equip them with coping tools for their lives.
It’s important to note that our relationship with our clients doesn’t end with their treatment at Shades of Hope. Regular post-treatment support meetings and weekly alumni gatherings are always available. If a client does not live near Shades, we will be happy to help them find support groups in their area.
Alternatively, if a client feels close to relapsing, we offer Breaking Free Weekends (2 day intensive workshops). These weekends are especially helpful after particularly stressful events such as death of a loved one or another strong emotional trigger that would otherwise result in a relapse.
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We handpick a specialized treatment team to help individual clients on the path to recovery. Our staff is comprised of therapists, a licensed psychiatrist who is also Board Certified in Addiction Medicine, a family practice physician, a registered nurse, a nutritionist and a registered dietician. Each client is placed with a primary therapist to guide them through the recovery process and coordinate treatment.
To better familiarize you with our staff, we strongly recommend visiting our treatment staff page – where you can watch interactive videos and read detailed information for each member of our treatment team.
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We believe clients can recover from their addictions using the tools provided during treatment with us. Recovery is a complex process with many factors that contribute to its success or failure. At Shades, we believe in taking recovery one day at a time. It can be overwhelming for an addict to imagine “staying clean” the “rest of their lives,” however they can learn to manage their lives minute by minute, hour by hour and then day by day.
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A vital aspect of recovery following residential treatment is the development and maintenance of a post-treatment support plan. During the final week of a client’s stay, we develop a customized Continuing Care Plan based on the individual client’s progress. Clients have the option of progressing to supportive/transitional living following residential treatment – experiencing “real life” while still under the guidance of their therapeutic team at Shades of Hope.
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What We Treat

Yes, we often encounter and treat multiple addictions, dual diagnosis and/or co-occurring addictions. Our staff psychiatrist is Board Certified in Addiction Medicine and handles these situations adeptly. In addition, our treatment staff is fully trained to uncover and treat multiple addictions accordingly.
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Yes, we have an associate agreement with a local fully licensed detox facility. Our staff psychiatrist has almost 30 years of in-depth experience with every type of detox and subsequent treatment.
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Yes, we have a psychiatrist on staff to treat depression and other psychological issues. As a licensed medical doctor, he can prescribe medication as needed in addition to providing therapy for all psychological issues.
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Yes, we do treat compulsive behavior. Our Week-long Intensive Program is highly effective for those suffering from compulsive and dysfunctional behaviors. Additionally, our staff psychiatrist is an expert in dealing with compulsive behavior.
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Family Members & Friends

Honestly, no one wants to be in treatment. People who do not have addictions must understand that for addicts, their addictions are their best friends – this is true whether it involves a chemical dependency, an eating disorder, a shopping addiction or any other addiction. Addiction is their way of dealing with life. Whenever they encounter something unpleasant or difficult, they turn to their addiction(s) to cope.
At Shades of Hope, we work to uncover the mask of addiction that covers the core issues and underlying pain. If your loved one doesn’t want to be in treatment, it is about the fear of having to live life without the tools (addictions) they use to medicate the stresses of life. Addicts are often in denial about their addiction or the severity of their addiction.
In some cases, an intervention may be necessary to get your loved one into a treatment facility. Please feel free to contact us for additional information.
Questions or Comments? Send us a message using the form below or call us at 1-800-588-HOPE (4673)

What is Family Week?
Family Week is held during the fourth or fifth week of our residential treatment program. Sessions start each morning, Monday through Friday, at 9:30 a.m. The Monday morning session is for family members only, along with the facilitator, to answer questions regarding expectations, fears, and guidelines for the week. Clients join their family members for the remainder of the week.
Family Week is the cornerstone of our family program. While we use the first three to four weeks of treatment to prepare the client for Family Week, families have this time to detox from the chaos the disease has created. Family Week is about the disease concept of addiction, setting appropriate boundaries and communication factors in the family unit. It is a time of growth, understanding and healing for the family as well as the client. Family Week is also an important time to learn that fine line between enabling addictive behavior and helping in a client’s recovery.
Family Week is a day to day process from Monday through Friday. One day builds upon another. Therefore it is important to attend the entire week.

Who needs to attend Family Week?

We strongly encourage all family members to play an active role in the healing and recovery process. Each and every family member plays a vital role in a client’s path to recovery.
If someone in the family is involved currently on a day-to-day basis or interacts with the client routinely, we want them to be at Family Week. If someone who, in the past, has been a primary caregiver and is now out of a relationship with the client but may have an impact on validating the client, we ask them to attend Family Week. We don’t limit the number of family participants.
The attendance of siblings and/or children is decided on a case by case basis taking age appropriateness into consideration.
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Family Week is an integral part of treatment and recovery for our clients. We invite families to join us during the client’s treatment for therapeutic sessions that will answer questions regarding expectations, fears and what to expect once the client returns home. Family Week is also an important time to learn that fine line between enabling addictive behavior and helping in a client’s recovery. We strongly encourage family members to play an active role in the healing and recovery process.
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Yes, we encourage family involvement, as it is an important step in the recovery process. Family Week is a key component in learning that fine line between enabling addictive behaviors and supporting recovery. Family Week is an educational process – it is also about uncovering and dealing with family secrets in a safe, nurturing setting thereby allowing the client to return to a healthier environment.
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Yes. At Shades, we strive to maintain an open and consistent line of communication with family members throughout the course of treatment. Upon admission, each client is assigned a primary therapist. That person is the key contact for parents, other family members and/or referring therapists. This therapist is coordinating the client’s progress throughout treatment and can give you the most up-to-date information.
For more information, please call us at 1-800-588-4673 or contact us online.
Questions or Comments? Send us a message using the form below or call us at 1-800-588-HOPE (4673)

An intervention is an organized attempt by one or several people to confront a person with a destructive addiction. The addict is usually in denial and/or unaware of the suffering caused to others. The objective of the intervention is for the addict to accept professional help and enter treatment.
In some cases, an intervention may be necessary to get your loved one into a treatment facility. Please feel free to contact us for additional information: 1-800-588-4673.
Questions or Comments? Send us a message using the form below or call us at 1-800-588-HOPE (4673)

Client Information

Each day starts with a physical evaluation for every client. We then proceed to yoga practice or a walk on our beautiful grounds. After physical activity, breakfast is served. There is time for personal meditation before group therapy work and lectures begin at 9:00 a.m. Lunch is served at noon. Afternoon sessions begin at 1:30 p.m. Dinner is served at 5:00 p.m. Evening sessions begin at 7:00 p.m. A snack is served at 9:00 p.m. and is followed by time for personal meditation. Bedtime is at 11:00 p.m.
Each day varies for each client according to the individual therapy plan created for them. Work with a client’s primary therapist or sessions with our staff psychiatrist are scheduled based on the client’s needs and progress. Some clients attend 12-step group meetings on various days – a few 12-step group meetings are conducted on our grounds while other meetings take place in Abilene.
On Saturdays, the client goes with the group for lunch at a restaurant in Abilene.
Sundays are more loosely structured as we prepare clients to do work on their own. Visitation is on Sundays between 2-4 p.m.
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When a client arrives at Shades, the assessment process that began on the phone continues with the completion of appropriate paperwork including the psychological and social assessment. The client is then introduced to the treatment staff, peers and the treatment center itself. The client will meet with our nurse, psychiatrist and the staff member who will be their primary therapist. Our goal is to get the client into the therapeutic process as quickly and painlessly as possible.
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The only time the client leaves the center is with a group. Clients with extenuating circumstances such as a dental emergency are accompanied by a staff member when leaving the grounds.
On the Friday of Family Week, the client is given the opportunity to leave with their family from lunch through the dinner hour. Clients are expected to return to the center around 6:30-7:00 p.m.
Additionally, clients may leave the center for 12-Step meetings, lunch on Saturdays and if a therapeutic recreational time is planned. All of these activities are completed with a group or staff member.
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At Shades of Hope, the client participates regularly in walking and yoga unless the primary therapist deems either activity harmful to the client. There is no gym at Shades. We choose to have clients practice yoga and encourage walking on the grounds at the center because we want the client to be able to perform the same physical activities upon returning home. A client can participate in yoga or take a walk no matter where they live.
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We often encounter and treat multiple addictions, dual diagnosis and/or co-occurring addictions. Our staff psychiatrist is Board Certified in Addiction Medicine and handles these situations adeptly. Our staff of therapists are also experienced with multiple addictions and will treat the client accordingly.
Questions or Comments? Send us a message using the form below or call us at 1-800-588-HOPE (4673)

Each meal plan is individualized. At Shades, we implement the American Dietetics Association’s recommendations. Fish and poultry are served – red meat is excluded. Vegetarian or vegan meal requests are handled on a case by case basis.
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Special meal requests can be accommodated, but these are handled on a case by case basis. We need to know if the choice to be vegetarian or vegan is based on a moral issue or an issue with an eating disorder.
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Yes, you will have a roommate. We don’t want to foster isolation in the client. Bonding and accountability are therapeutic issues.
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Yes. Please call us toll-free 1-800-588-4673 for specific insurance information. Shades works diligently to keep costs low and provide cost-effective treatment without compromising patient care. The last thing a client or family needs is a massive financial obligation or to remove a client from treatment due to insurance issues.
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No, but we will refer Medicare/Medicaid clients to an appropriate facility. Please contact us at 1-800-588-4673.
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Types of Eating Disorders

Anorexia or Anorexia Nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by extremely low body weight, body image distortion and an intense fear of gaining weight.
There are two types of anorexics – the restricting type and the purging type. The restricting type severely restricts calories, fasts and exercises excessively. The purging type rids themselves of calories by vomiting and/or the use of laxatives, diuretics and/or enemas.
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Bulimia or Bulimia Nervosa is characterized by excessive food intake (bingeing) followed by purging via vomiting and/or the use of laxatives, diuretics and/or enemas.
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Binge Eating Disorder is characterized by bingeing on excessive amounts of food without intervening periods of purging or other compensatory behavior.
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Compulsive overeating or compulsive eating is characterized by an obsessive compulsive relationship with food. Compulsive overeaters engage in binge eating – consuming large quantities of food in a relatively short period of time. Compulsive eating is not about physical hunger; compulsive eaters eat to the point of being uncomfortable. Compulsive eating is a sign of Binge Eating Disorder.
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Food addiction is loss of control over food consumption. Food is used as medication to control and suppress negative feelings such as sadness, anger, depression, anxiety, loneliness or boredom.
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Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is an excessive preoccupation with perceived flaws in physical appearance.
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Morbid Obesity refers to anyone who is over 100 pounds above their ideal weight and/or with a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 40 or above.
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Obesity is indicated when someone has a BMI of 30 or above. Morbid Obesity is indicated when someone has a BMI of 40 or above. Anyone weighing 100 pounds above their ideal weight is also considered morbidly obese.
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Orthorexia or Orthorexia Nervosa is an obsession with eating only healthy foods. Orthorexia differs from anorexia nervosa in that thinness is not the goal.
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Selective Eating Disorder (SED) prevents the consumption of many types of foods. Afflicted individuals may have a highly limited number of “safe” foods and they are extremely resistant to trying new foods.
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Night Eating Syndrome (NES) is an obsessive consumption of more than half of an individual’s daily caloric intake after 8 p.m.
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Nocturnal Sleep Related Eating Disorder (NS-RED) is eating or binge eating while the affected individual is asleep. Unlike NES (Night Eating Syndrome), the afflicted individual is unaware of nocturnal binges. The affected individual may be sleepwalking when overeating.
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Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS) is an eating disorder that does not meet the criteria for a specific eating disorder. Afflicted individuals may switch eating patterns at various times.
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Alcohol and Substance Abuse

An alcoholic suffers from alcoholism. Alcoholism is a chronic disorder characterized by the dependence on and/or the abuse of alcohol. Alcoholics continue to consume alcohol despite negative consequences and health problems.
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Getting and using the drug is more important than anything else including school/career, friends and family. Drugs make normal functioning difficult by impairing judgment. The mental and physical effects of using drugs vary with the specific drug(s). If you suspect drug abuse, you can look for cycles with someone’s behavior:

unusual calmness, unresponsiveness and/or being spaced out

boundless energy, cheerfulness and/or unusually talkative

increased agitation, irritability and/or quick to anger

apathy

depression

paranoia

delusions

temporary psychosis and hallucinations

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Substance Abuse involves the repeated and excessive use of illegal and/or legal chemical substances to achieve a certain effect. Illegal drugs include marijuana, ecstasy, methamphetamine (also referred to as crystal meth), anabolic steroids, cocaine, crack, heroin, speed, LSD (also referred to as acid) and PCP.
Prescription drug abuse is a rapidly growing problem in the US – the most commonly abused drugs are tranquilizers, sedatives, painkillers & stimulants.
Inhalants and solvents are legal substances that are also abused.
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Detox or detoxification is the process of removing toxins from the body. Those addicted to alcohol, illegal substances and legal prescription drugs usually require medical assistance and monitoring during the detoxification process to prevent significant pain, nausea, vomiting, tremors, seizures and possible death. Patients who enter treatment “high” or with alcohol, legal or illegal substances in their system must go through detoxification. Detoxification is necessary before treatment and recovery can begin.
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Other Addictions

As defined by the American Psychiatric Association, pathological gambling is an impulse control disorder that is a chronic and progressive mental illness. Compulsive gamblers cannot control their impulse to gamble despite negative consequences. Gambling addiction is treatable.
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A shopping addiction, also known as oniomania, is characterized by the compulsive desire to shop. Those with this addiction, sometimes referred to as shopaholics, experience the highs and lows of other addicts such as drug addicts or alcoholics. Compulsive shopping or overspending can be a destructive addiction with serious financial and personal consequences. Shopping addiction is treatable.
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Yes. Our rapidly evolving modern world provides many new avenues for addictions including the Internet, texting, e-mails, social networking websites, micro-blogging, blogging, gaming and more.
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Miscellaneous

Enabling is an adaptive behavior. An enabler allows an addict to persist in self-destructive behavior by providing excuses or making it possible for the addict to avoid the consequences of their behavior. Enabling is also known as co-dependency.
Enablers often benefit from therapeutic treatment of their own whether or not the addict chooses to seek treatment. Support groups are available in most areas to help loved ones of addicts resist enabling. Look for meetings of Al-Anon in your area.
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Shades of Hope is centrally located in Texas, approximately 2½ hours west of Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex and 12 miles south Abilene. Our treatment center is in the quaint and historic community of Buffalo Gap. Centuries-old oak trees shade our beautiful grounds and Mother Nature puts on a brilliant show, regardless of the season.
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Yes, we have a staff physician who is Board Certified in Psychiatry and Board Certified in Addiction Medicine. We also have a family practice physician as our Medical Director.
For detailed information on our staff members, please visit our Treatment Staff page.
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